Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

the two together, not just one

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

plural of “complaint” — an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

the act of constructing something

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

seemingly without interruption

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

failure that results in a loss of position or reputation

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

a heavy rain

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

the act of making something completely wet

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

divisible by two

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

plural of “file” — a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

a period of fourteen consecutive days

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

an association of criminals

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It might have snowed.

inflected form of “hide” — prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

tiresomely long; seemingly without end

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It might have snowed.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

darkened with overcast

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

a protective covering that protects an inside surface

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

the force of workers available

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It might have snowed.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

comparative of “new” — not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

not any; not one

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

a brief written record

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

and nothing more

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

above and across; more than

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

plural of “peak” — the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

plural of “ridge” — a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

Identical; not different.

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

past form of “shroud” — cover as if with a shroud

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

past form of “snow” — fall as snow

From this reading It might have snowed.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

make steady

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

not in physical motion

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

past form of “sweat” — excrete perspiration through the pores in the skin

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

feeling or showing gratitude

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading LAW AND LUMBER Rain fell the following fortnight in a steady downpour that did not cease, even for an hour.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

impart a cheap brightness to

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

the topmost one of two

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Ragged, smokelike clouds hung over the valley at Thirty-Mile, dragged so low by their own weight that they not only hid the upper peaks but shrouded the lower ridges as well.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But both Steve and Fat Joe, for all that they caught each day a deeper note in the hoarse complaints of those same men--a note no less ominous than was that newer, hoarser one of the swollen river--nevertheless were duly thankful that the leaden sky had at least a tinsel lining.

which person or people

From this reading They drove by in interminable files of grey, making sluiceways of every cut and drenching continually the men of the construction gang who, in spite of the chill of that downfall, still sweated at their labor.